The Celtics hit the free-agent market today with one less worry when Eddie House decided to return for a third season.

Rather than opting out of his contract worth nearly $2.9 million for the 2009-10 season, House declined to become a free agent this summer and will be staying with the Celtics.

The reserve guard, who made nearly $2.7 million last season, had until Tuesday to make his decision.

House played for seven teams from 2000-07 before joining the Celtics as a free agent two summers ago.

He has been the backup to starting point guard Rajon Rondo and averaged 7.5 points during the 2007-08 championship season.

House appeared in 81 games this past season, averaging 8.5 points, and made 44 percent of his shots from 3-point range. House was 151-for-340 from long distance, breaking the franchise record for the best percentage that was held by Danny Ainge.

This marks only the second time in House’s career that he has been with the same team three consecutive seasons. He was drafted in the second round by the Miami Heat in 2000 and played 169 games in three years.

The Celtics also made a qualifying offer to restricted free-agent forward Glen Davis, giving the team the right to match any deal he receives this summer. Boston would have seven days to decide whether it would match Davis’ contract from another team.

Davis, who made $711,000 in his second year this past season, should attract some interest after his improved play.

In addition to Davis, the Celtics’ free-agent list includes Stephon Marbury, Mikki Moore and Leon Powe.

Teams began negotiating with free agents today, but contracts cannot be signed until July 8.

The Celtics were scheduled to introduce second-round draft pick Lester Hudson at a press conference this morning.

Hudson, the No. 58 pick last Thursday night, was second in the nation in scoring while playing for Tennessee-Martin.

The Celtics will be sending a team of rookies and free agents to the Orlando Pro Summer League at the RDV Sportsplex July 6-10.

Boston’s first game is Monday against the Utah Jazz followed by matchups against the Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder, Indiana Pacers and a combined team of the New Jersey Nets and Philadelphia 76ers.